As an expert in the NFL, I've analyzed the 2026 schedule and made my predictions for every team. While some may disagree with my picks, I take this exercise seriously and aim for accuracy. Here's a breakdown of my top picks and why I made them.
AFC North
- Cincinnati Bengals: 12-5 - Joe Burrow's health is a concern, but when he's on the field, the Bengals are a force. Their defense needs improvement, but with additions like Boye Mafe and Bryan Cook, they'll be competitive.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 11-6 - The Steelers added key players like Michael Pittman and Jaquan Brisker, and with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, they'll be a top wild card contender.
- Baltimore Ravens: 10-7 - Lamar Jackson's health is crucial, but if he's on the field, the Ravens will be a playoff team. Their defense and pass-catchers need improvement, but a healthy Jackson is a game-changer.
- Cleveland Browns: 5-12 - The Browns' quarterback situation is a mess, and with Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson, they'll struggle. A trade for Myles Garrett could be a smart move.
AFC East
- Buffalo Bills: 13-4 - The Bills consistently win 11-13 games, and with D.J. Moore and Josh Allen, they'll be competitive again. The schedule is tough, but they'll find a way.
- New England Patriots: 9-8 - The Patriots' schedule excuse is a bogus one. Drake Maye is a top 10 quarterback, and with A.J. Brown, they'll be a force. The team's distractions will be a factor, though.
- New York Jets: 5-12 - The Jets' offense is in disarray with Frank Reich calling the shots. Breece Hall will shine, but the overall performance will be disappointing.
- Miami Dolphins: 2-15 - The Dolphins lack difference-makers, and with Devon Achane, they'll struggle to win games.
AFC South
- Houston Texans: 11-6 - The Texans' defense is solid, and C.J. Stroud will bounce back. They'll win the AFC South for the third time in four years.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: 10-7 - The Jaguars' offense is strong, but the front office's questionable decisions could be a concern. Trevor Lawrence had a career year, and they'll be competitive.
- Tennessee Titans: 7-10 - The Titans' offseason was impressive, and with Cam Ward and Carnell Tate, they'll be a wild card contender. Robert Saleh will turn around the defense.
- Indianapolis Colts: 6-11 - The Colts' quarterback situation is a mess, and with a ruptured Achilles and a $100 million contract, they'll struggle. Alec Pierce's contract is a hilarious use of resources.
AFC West
- Kansas City Chiefs: 13-4 - The Chiefs will win the division with Patrick Mahomes back. Eric Bieniemy's return will boost the offense, and Kenneth Walker will be a key addition.
- Los Angeles Chargers: 9-8 - The Chargers disappoint every year, but with Mike McDaniel as the offensive coordinator, they'll be competitive. Their receiving corps needs improvement, and the loss of Jesse Minter will be noticeable.
- Denver Broncos: 7-10 - The Broncos won 11 one-score games in 2025, and with Sean Payton no longer calling plays, they'll struggle. Bo Nix is just a guy, and the defense won't be sustainable.
- Las Vegas Raiders: 6-11 - The Raiders are taking the right steps forward with Klint Kubiak and Kirk Cousins. They need more difference-makers on defense and receivers.
AFC Playoffs
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Buffalo Bills
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Houston Texans
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Baltimore Ravens
- Jacksonville Jaguars
NFC North
- Detroit Lions: 12-5 - The Lions will bounce back after a down year. Drew Petzing will improve the offense, and Jared Goff will be a key player.
- Green Bay Packers: 10-7 - The Packers will clinch the No. 7 seed for the fourth consecutive season. Micah Parsons' comeback season will boost the defense.
- Chicago Bears: 9-8 - The Bears won a lot of one-score games in 2025, but with key defensive losses, their ceiling is limited. Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams will be key, but the defense keeps them from consecutive playoff appearances.
- Minnesota Vikings: 8-9 - The Vikings' quarterback situation is a mess, and with Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy, they won't be a playoff team. Kevin O'Connell is a good coach, but the defense will be their strength.
NFC East
- Dallas Cowboys: 11-6 - The Cowboys have a high-flying offense with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Adding Caleb Downs and Jalen Thompson will improve the defense, and they'll win the division.
- Washington Commanders: 10-7 - The Commanders' defense needed changes, and they delivered. A healthy Jayden Daniels and David Blough will boost the offense, and they'll be a top wild card contender.
- New York Giants: 10-7 - The Giants have a great head coach in John Harbaugh, and with a young defense and offense, they'll be a playoff team. Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers, and Cam Skattebo's health will be crucial.
- Philadelphia Eagles: 8-9 - The Eagles' talent is there, but the noise surrounding them will catch up. The A.J. Brown saga and Jalen Hurts' step back will lead to a down year.
NFC South
- New Orleans Saints: 9-8 - The Saints' offseason was impressive, and with Travis Etienne and Jordyn Tyson, they'll carry over their momentum. Tyler Shough will be a key player.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 7-10 - The Buccaneers' inconsistency is a concern. Baker Mayfield's ups and downs, and Emeka Egbuka's disappearance, will impact their performance.
- Atlanta Falcons: 6-11 - I have zero faith in Tua Tagovailoa, and with his injury history, the Falcons will struggle. Atlanta has offensive talent, but I can't buy into the quarterback.
- Carolina Panthers: 3-14 - The Panthers' offense is lacking blue-chip talent, and with Bryce Young, they won't be a franchise quarterback. A 6-11 season is the cap, and a new quarterback in 2027 is likely.
NFC West
- Los Angeles Rams: 13-4 - The Rams were the best team in the league last year, and they got better. Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson will boost the defense, and the offense remains dangerous.
- Seattle Seahawks: 9-8 - The Seahawks will miss Klint Kubiak, and with key losses in free agency, they'll take a step back. Both Super Bowl teams will miss the postseason in 2026.
- San Francisco 49ers: 8-9 - The 49ers have a history of injuries, and with top players aging, they won't stay healthy. If they stay healthy, they'll be a playoff team, but I can't bank on it.
- Arizona Cardinals: 3-14 - The Cardinals' quarterback room is a mess, and with a first-time head coach, they'll struggle. Young pieces are there, but the overall performance will be disappointing.
